Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

[UnorthodoxCreations]

Well as soon as I locate a cheap oven(saw a free one on the way to work i have to go back and check out) I will be making an order with Caswell to get started in powdercoating. I've read the stickies as well as many other sites and wanted someone with experience to tell me if I'm buying everything I need. I plan on doing mostly aluminum enigne parts like valve covers, manifolds, etc. I plan on purchasing
-Caswells gun(havent heard any complaints, good price)
-One roll of the high temp masking tape
-1lb of black,chrome and maybe one other color just to get started
-1 pint of Iron phosphate primer(I should be using this right)
-moisture filter

I like the silicon plug kits but i dont think i can bring myself to spend that much. I already have a sand blaster. I'm gonna weld up tray to sit on top the oven burners to heat up the iron phosphate. Am I missing anything that i really need or am i buying anything i dont. I a total beginner and just want advice.
Thanks
Adam

How do you mask raised letters?

[CaptainChauncy]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

You are going to need a compressor and a spray booth. You can make the spray booth yourself. I also use a respirator when spraying powder.

[daveg]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

Welcome to the forum,

A piece of advice when coating aluminum...it really helps if you preheat the part first as to prevent outgassing of the aluminum. If not when you coat the part and it heats, the pores in the aluminum will outgas and call tiny bumps or bubbles all over your finish. I usually preheat my aluminum parts to 400 for about 15-20 min. Someone else here may be able to explain this a little better than myself.
To mask raised letters, all it takes is high temp tape, an exacto knife or single edged razor blade, and a really steady hand. Just apply the tape over the letters, trim around the letters, apply powder and cure. After your powder is cured just peel the tape off to expose your letters.

Hope that helped

David

[daveg]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

Oh, and I also meant to add,

There are different opinions on this, but after preheating aluminum parts, I spray the powder on while the part is still warm, around 200 usually, then put it back in to cure. I very rarely have a problem with outgassing with this method.

David

[LeeParsons]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

Deffently get a reporator or at least filter masks. I also use latex exam gloves when powdering to keep from getting oils from my hands on the parts and to keep the powder off my hands.

[sswee]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

As for the silicone plug kits go. I got the flange kit for studs & bolt holes and it saves alot on taping. It'll depend on the kind of work your doing as to how needed it. SS

[UnorthodoxCreations]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

You are going to need a compressor and a spray booth. You can make the spray booth yourself. I also use a respirator when spraying powder.

I got a compressor and respirator so they are no problem. I'll be building my spray booth in a few days. I was hoping there was an easier way to mask raised stuff but thats what i expected. I've read about outgassing so I'll be doing that.

Is that Iron Phosphate needed?

Is there a cheaper alternative to the silicone plugs? I dont need near that many just afew of each size?

Thanks for the help, great forum!

[pickleboy]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

also i am sure you know from reading but you need a good final degrease product. i have used breakclean, acetone, and mek. this is for final wipedown of the parts just before the powder. as for iron phospate i have not used it yet but if corrosion is a factor to control it is probably a good idea. also i would recommend tack rags that you can get at any paint supplier, these are good for the final wipe down since they dont leave behind lint. welcome to the board and best of luck.

[CaptainChauncy]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

I got a compressor and respirator so they are no problem. I'll be building my spray booth in a few days. I was hoping there was an easier way to mask raised stuff but thats what i expected. I've read about outgassing so I'll be doing that.

Is that Iron Phosphate needed?

Is there a cheaper alternative to the silicone plugs? I dont need near that many just afew of each size?

Thanks for the help, great forum!

I have used alluminum foil instead of plugs a couple times, they will get the job done but dont work as well as the plugs do.

[Netnut]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

I use the infrared thermometer to measure the part temperature and a kitchen count down timer...

Iron phosfete is for iron, but caswell have some other material for aluminium, but for your engine parts I don't think you need it

Get 4-5 extra powder container for your gun, easier when change from base color to clear cover coat

Welcome and have fun

fr

[sswee]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

If your blasting the parts clean before coating I don't see the iron phosphate a necessity. The extra cups are an excellent idea for sure.

[UnorthodoxCreations]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

Looks like I'll be ditching the Iron phosphate and picking up a few extra cups as suggested. Thanx for all the tips. Now I just need to find a oven. I have every person I know keeping there eyes open for me. I found 1 last week but it turned out to be gas.

[sswee]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

For an oven you might check the places that sell new ones. Sometimes they'll give you one they took out that the top doesn't work.

[pickleboy]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

if you are looking for a large one try to find an auctioneer that specializes in restaurant equipment and see what the going rate is for those. or if all else fails build one yourself, there is lots of posts on here about that.

[CaptainChauncy]

Re: Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

if you are looking for a large one try to find an auctioneer that specializes in restaurant equipment and see what the going rate is for those. or if all else fails build one yourself, there is lots of posts on here about that.

That is how I got mine. A company on ebay buys the inventory of restaurants going out of business and then sells them on ebay. I got mine for $200. It is a convection electric oven and gets up to 400F in about 15 minutes. Ebay has some good deals on ovens.